County of Union, New Jersey

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce a new program aimed at addressing the surplus of reusable bags in our communities. As part of Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’ “Building a Stronger Union County,” theme for 2023, this new environmental initiative is in collaboration with the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning, the Town of Westfield and the Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth (HACE) are partnering with GOATote, Inc. to provide a solution to this issue.

“We are delighted to introduce this innovative program, which will address the surplus of reusable bags in our communities,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “The County of Union is taking a proactive step towards sustainability and we aim to make a meaningful impact by repurposing these bags and ensuring they reach those in need. Together, we can create a more environmentally conscious and socially responsible community.”

With the implementation of New Jersey’s Get Past Plastic law, which prohibits businesses from providing single-use plastic bags, many individuals have transitioned to using reusable bags. However, some people occasionally forget to bring their reusable bags to stores, resulting in the purchase of additional bags. Over time, this has led to an accumulation of excess reusable bags in households. Furthermore, grocery delivery services often provide customers with reusable bags, contributing to the surplus.

At the same time, Food Pantries and Food Banks have expressed that they are having difficulty keeping up with the need for reusable bags when distributing groceries to their clients.  Since these entities are no longer permitted to use single-use plastic bags when handing out food and supplies, they go through reusable bags very quickly and are frequently in need of more.

Recognizing the need to address this situation, the County Commissioners, in collaboration with Union County’s Recycling Bureau, the Town of Westfield and Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth (HACE) have established two pilot drop-off points. The first is at the Westfield Conservation Center (1300 Lamberts Mill Road, Westfield). The second is located at Farley Towers (33 Cherry Street, Elizabeth).  Residents from any municipality in Union County can bring their gently-used reusable bags to either location. GOATote, Inc. will collect the bags, thoroughly clean and sanitize them, and deliver them to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey in Hillside. From there, the bags will be distributed to local Food Pantries in need.

The Westfield Conservation Center is open on Thursdays/Fridays from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm and on Saturdays/Sundays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm until October 22.Starting from October 23 until December 21, the center’s hours will be from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 2:30 pm, and Saturdays/Sundays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. 

For more information on the operation of the Conservation Center, please visit the Westfield Conservation Center website at www.westfieldnj.gov/conservation.  For the drop off location at 33 Cherry Street in Elizabeth, the drop-off hours will be:

Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. 

The primary goal of this program is to ensure that reusable bags are truly being reused and made available to those who genuinely need them. Please note that the program only accepts bags in usable condition. We kindly request excluding any ripped, damaged, or otherwise unusable bags when making your drop-off.

For more information, upcoming dates and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners proudly announces the introduction of innovative Communication Boards aimed at facilitating communication and interaction for non-verbal children, as part of Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’ theme of “Building a Stronger Union County” for 2023. This initiative, unveiled during the commemoration of Disability Pride Month in July, signifies a significant step forward in promoting inclusivity and accessibility for all residents.

“With the installation of these boards we are on a continuous path towards promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “These communication boards offer benefits that extend beyond individuals with disabilities. They also provide valuable assistance to children learning to speak, individuals who speak different languages within our diverse community, and many others. By creating these spaces where individuals feel heard and safe, our aim is to have a lasting positive impact on children and their families, enabling them to communicate, connect, and actively participate in our community. These boards exemplify Union County’s solid commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that values every resident, regardless of their abilities.”

The first Communication Board was unveiled at Warinanco Park on Monday, July 17, 2023. In line with Union County’s vision for widespread accessibility, multiple Communication Boards will be placed in parks across the county over the course of the year. In the upcoming weeks, specifically, three additional boards will be installed at Mattano Park in Elizabeth, Ponderosa Park in Scotch Plains, and Nomahegan Park in Cranford.

Communication boards are used to help people with limited language skills express themselves. They can also help develop better language skills, more autonomy, and positive social interactions. Communication boards provide a more inclusive means of expression by offering visual images as an alternative to spoken language. They are particularly beneficial for individuals who may face challenges in verbalizing their thoughts. Additionally, these boards facilitate a better understanding of the needs and thoughts of nonspeaking or minimally verbal individuals, fostering greater communication and empathy among others.

Designed specifically for non-verbal children, these Communication Boards employ a range of symbols, pictures, and words to enable individuals to express their thoughts, needs, and desires. By providing a visual communication tool, these boards offer a platform for effective interaction, encouraging engagement, and enhancing the overall quality of life for non-verbal children.

Union County aims to foster a community that values and supports individuals of all abilities, recognizing their unique perspectives and contributions. By championing initiatives like the Communication Boards, Union County aims to strengthen social bonds, foster understanding, and promote a culture of inclusivity.

For more information about these boards or any other resources available, please contact Manuel Ramirez from the Union County Bureau of ADA Compliance at 908-527-4432 or mramirez@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and their caregivers to come to Union County’s ASK community events in August, and meet in person with professional staff for expert guidance on senior programs and resources. Help with filling out forms is also provided and bilingual staff will be present at all of these events to offer assistance in Spanish.

“Our Division on Aging, works hard to ensure that Union County residents can effortlessly navigate a vast range of information designed to improve the lives of our seniors,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “With the presence of our knowledgeable staff at local public libraries and community centers, accessing vital information has never been easier.”

ASK stands for Aging Services Kiosk, a program of the Union County Department of Human Services through the Division on Aging and Disability Resources, serving seniors age 60-plus and their caregivers.

The ASK program provides Union County residents with a friendly, convenient way to find out about helpful programs and services for seniors and caregivers. The program brings professional staff from the Division on Aging to local public libraries and other community centers.

Staff at the ASK events can help seniors and care givers connect with a variety of services including home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care and support services for caregivers. Any Union County senior or care giver can visit any ASK event, regardless of their hometown.

No appointment or pre-registration is needed. The upcoming ASK events in June all include bilingual assistance in Spanish:

Thursday, August 3rd
Union Public Library
1060 Stuyvesant Avenue
Union, 07083
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Monday, August 7th
Westfield Memorial Library
550 E. Broad Street
Westfield, 07090
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, August 9th
Garwood Public Library
411 Third Avenue
Garwood, 07027
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Monday, August 14th
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue
Clark, 07066
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, August 16th
Elizabeth Public Library – Main
11 S. Broad Street
Elizabeth, 07202
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Friday, August 25th
Roselle Library
129 Chestnut Street
Roselle, 07203
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

For more information about the ASK events and any other services for seniors in Union County, contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 1-888-280-8226 toll free or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying County and City Parks Tuesday morning, July 18, 2023, between the hours of 3:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting). Check below for the list of Parks to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

County Parks

• Clark – Oak Ridge, Esposito
• Cranford – Nomahegan
• Hillside – Conant
• Linden – Wheeler
• Mountainside – Echo Lake, Watchung Res. Loop Area
• Plainfield – Cedar Brook, Green Brook
• Rahway – Rahway Pk.
• Roselle – Warinanco
• Springfield – Meisel
• Scotch Plains – Ponderosa

City Parks

• Linden – Memorial
• Plainfield – Milt Campbell
• Springfield – Irwin
• Summit – Briant
• Union – Biertuempfel, Rabkin
• Westfield – Tamaques

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Thursday evening, July 13, 2023, between the hours of 5:00PM to 10:00PM (Weather Permitting). Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

• Berkeley Hts. – Bolton Blvd., Brambling Rd., Camptown Dr., Hamilton Ave., Hawfinch Dr., Industrial Rd., Kuntz Ave., Lasecla Pl., Nancy Pl., Plainfield Ave., Little Flower, Roosevelt Ave.
• Clark – Blake Dr., Featherbed La., France Dr., Lefferts Ln., Linda La., Madison Hill Rd., Old Raritan Rd., Parkway Dr., Sycamore Rd., Terhune Rd., Wendell Pl., Valley Rd.
• Cranford – Blvd. between Springfield Ave. and County Police yard, Crane Pkwy., Hillside Ave., Wall St.
• Elizabeth – Amboy Ave., S. Front St., S. First St.
• Hillside – Columbia Ave., Cornell Pl., Harvard Ave., John St., Locus Ave., McMichael Ave., Rutgers Ave.
• Kenilworth – Dorset Dr., Epping Dr., Water Co. Rd.
• Linden – Bradford Av., Grisselli Ave., Lexington Ave., Lower Rd., Madison St., Main St., Marion Ave., Marsh’s Dock Rd., Parkway Ave., Range Rd., , Tremley Pt. Rd., Walter St.
• Mountainside – Ackerman Ave., Deer Path, Foxtrail, Grouse La., Nottingham Way
• Plainfield – Cushing Rd., Knollwood Ct., Jefferson Ave., 1st St., Terrill Rd.
• Rahway – Allen St., Donald Ave., Elizabeth Ave., Price St., Scott Ave., Whittier St.,
• Roselle – Chestnut St., Columbus Ave., Locust St., Pine St., Spruce St., W.3rd Ave., Woodland Dr., 4th Ave., 7th Ave., 8th Ave.,
• Scotch Plains – Hetfield Ave., Lamberts Mill Rd., North Ave., Raritan Rd., South Ave.,
• Springfield – Bernadette Ct., Brown Ave., Commerce St., Evergreen Ave., Kemp Dr., Layng Ter., Leslie Ct., New Brook La.
• Union – Brighton St., Gifford Ct., Rahway Ave., Savitt Pl.
• Westfield – Grandview Ave., Livingston St., Myrtle Ave., Windsor Ave.
• Winfield – Union County Pkwy.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced that they are seeking residents who would like to apply to volunteer with the Union County Rape Crisis Center. Volunteers at the Rape Crisis Center provide guidance and support for victims of sexual violence.

“We are seeking compassionate individuals in Union County who are willing to volunteer their time and support survivors of sexual violence through the Union County Rape Crisis Center,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Our dedicated volunteers provide crucial guidance and empathy to those in need, offering vital support during a difficult time, where the victim might not have anywhere else to turn. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of survivors and foster a community that stands against sexual violence.”

The fall training dates will take place from September 12, 2023 to November 2, 2023 (subject to change) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Bilingual volunteers are also welcomed and encouraged to register.

While no previous experience in counseling is required, all those interested must:

• Be a Union County Resident
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have personal mode of transportation (own car)
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Undergo a personal interview
• Participate in a 40+ hour, state mandated training program

Once trained, Rape Crisis Center volunteers answer calls to the Rape Crisis Center hotline as certified Confidential Sexual Violence Advocates. They also provide medical or legal guidance in person by accompanying victims at hospitals, police departments, courtrooms and other locations related to the aftermath of sexual violence.

Training sessions are held at the Rape Crisis Center offices, located in the Colleen Fraser Building at the Union County complex, 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

The Rape Crisis Center is a program of the Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Individual & Family Support Services and has been serving Union County residents since 1984. All volunteers are trained, mentored and supported by professional Union County staff.

If interested and for more information about the volunteer experience, please contact the Union County Rape Crisis Center at (908) 233-7273 or via email rcc@ucnj.org by: August 25, 2023.

The Union County Prosecutor’s Office and the Union County Police Chiefs Associations are partnering with Union County Crime Stoppers to reduce car thefts and burglaries in Union County. The partnership will allow members of the public to anonymously report tips about these crimes. Union County Crime Stoppers will offer rewards of up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest and indictment.

“We want to send a message to criminals that car thefts and burglaries will not be tolerated in our community,” said Union County Prosecutor William Daniel. “By working with Union County Crime Stoppers, we are giving people a safe and anonymous way to report crime and holding those who commit these and all crimes accountable.”

Union County Crime Stoppers offers rewards of up to $10,000 for information resulting in the arrest and indictment of criminal offenders. Tipsters never need to reveal their names, whether they call the twenty-four-hour hotline number or submit a tip via Union County Crime Stoppers website. 

The Union County Police, in cooperation with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and Union County Police Chiefs Association, receive and coordinate all tips submitted to the Union County Crime Stoppers program.

Anyone with information about a car theft, burglary, or any crime is urged to call Union County Crime Stoppers at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip via the website UCtip.org. Tips can be submitted anonymously.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to bring their personal and sensitive documents to the next free paper shredding event, which will be held on Thursday, July 13^th. 

“Protect your privacy and the environment by joining us at the next free paper shredding event at Rahway River Park,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I hope our residents take advantage of this contact-free and drive-up paper event, which allows us to shield your personal information all while contributing to a greener Union County.”

The July 13^th paper shredding event will be held at Rahway River Park in the parking lot adjacent to the Park Service Yard off of St. Georges Avenue in Rahway.  There will be ample signage at the event to guide residents to the respective event site.

Union County’s free shredding events take place each year from March through October, as part of Union County’s recycling programs.  These events enable mobile paper shredding trucks to visit various locations throughout the County to assist residents in shredding personal documents. It is intended for personal, sensitive documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail and other waste paper with their municipal recycling program. Participants are reminded pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted. Bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other paraphernalia should be removed.

Each event is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 1:00 p.m., but may finish earlier if the shredding trucks fill up to capacity first. The paper shredding events are contact-free and drive-up only. Drivers must remain in their cars while staff unloads their papers, which are shredded on site in a mobile shredding truck.

Contact your municipal recycling coordinator for more details about recycling in your community.  These events are funded through Recycling Enhancement Act (REA) grant funding, which is received by the County on an annual basis from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).

The free Recycle Coach mobile app provides a handy way to find out what items are included in curbside recycling programs and drop-off sites in Union County. The app provides up to date information on both countywide and local recycling programs.

For the complete schedule and more information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. Experts from the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning are available to present recycling information to schools, community groups and other organizations. To schedule a program contact Stuart Newman, stuart.newman@ucnj.org.

Petitions must be returned before 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 31

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds Union County residents seeking School Board positions in their municipality that the deadline for filing their nominating petitions is Monday, July 31, 2023, before 4:00 p.m. in the County Clerk’s Election Office, at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, Room 113. The drawing for positions for the school board will be on Monday, August 14, 2023.

Petition forms are available at the County Clerk’s Election Office in Elizabeth, or they can be downloaded from the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com/candidate-petitions.

“As a former school board member, I believe serving on a school board is not just a responsibility; it is a vital commitment to our community’s future,” said County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “By actively participating in the decision-making process, individuals can shape the direction of education, ensuring that every child receives the best possible opportunities. I strongly encourage individuals to step forward and embrace this significant role, as they have the power to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless young minds.”

Ms. Rajoppi also advised applicants to be aware that a state law effective July 1, 2018 permits School Board Candidates to circulate petitions jointly. They may be bracketed together on the ballot if they wish with one or two other candidates with the same slogan.

The 2018 law also permits a short non-political slogan not to exceed three words.  Candidates are also required to file a specific affirmation that they have not been convicted of crimes that would disqualify them from office with their petition.

The County Clerk’s Elizabeth Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office may be reached by phone during office hours at 908-527-4996 with any inquiries regarding elections in Union County.

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org. For information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for Adult mosquitoes Thursday evening, July 6, 2023, between the hours of  5:00PM to 10:00PM (Weather Permitting). Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the office of mosquito control.

Clark – Featherbed La., France Dr., Lefferts Ln., Kathryn St., Old Raritan Rd., Terhune Rd., Whitley St. 

Cranford – Blvd. between Springfield Ave. and County Police yard

Hillside – Cornell Pl., Harvard Ave., John St.

Elizabeth – Clarkson Ave.

Linden – Grisselli Ave., Lower Rd., Main St., Range Rd., S.Wood Ave., Tremley Pt. Rd., Walter St.

Rahway – Allen St., Donald Ave., Egolf Dr., Elston St., Elizabeth Ave. Linden Ave., Price St., Randolph Ave., Whittier St., Walking trail between Whittier St. and Price St.

Roselle – Pine St., Raritan Rd., W.3^rd Ave., Westbrook Woods Condo’s

Roselle Pk. – Walking Path between Chestnut St. and Galloping Hill Rd.

Scotch Plains – Frank St., Hetfield Ave., North Ave., South Ave., Terrill Rd. between Cooper Rd. and Raritan Rd.

Springfield – Marion Ave., Oakland Ave., Perry Pl., Warner Ave., Waverly Ave.

Union – Carnegie Pl., Keller Crescent, Livingston Ave., Pitcher Ter., Shetland Dr., Wilshire Dr., Whitewood Rd. 

Winfield Pk. – Union County Pkwy.